Unit Overview:
The purpose of this unit is to introduce the topic of Astronomy to 8th grade middle school students. Prior to the first lesson an in class ungraded assessment will be given to see what the students prior knowledge of the information is. Once I have that understanding I will start the unit with basic information on why the study of our universe is important, the components of our galaxy, earth sun moon relationships, and build all the way up to the idea of multiple galaxies being present and functioning within our universe. In order to make this unit and topic meaningful to the students I will explain how the rotation of the sun/moon/earth keeps our planet functioning properly and is important for sustaining life on earth. The unit is designed to start with the basics and daily build upon those basics until we reach the more involved topics. Before moving on from one main topic to the next there will be a quiz given to properly gauge the students’ understanding of the material before moving on to the next main idea. In order to facilitate learning the students will each have their own astronomy text and access to in class materials that further explain the material.
There will be a few activities that will aid in the students understanding of these topics. They will be required to do daily moon observations that will help them to understand moon phases that will be counted as a major assessment for the unit. The students will also complete an in class lab that explains seasons and the tilt/rotation of the earth in relation to the sun. Aside from the end of the unit exam, daily students will be required to keep observations, definitions, notes, graphs, drawings, and any explanation of what is done in class on this topic in a bound notebook that will be checked and graded daily.
In order to make this unit meaningful to the students I feel like it is important to connect them to the material by explaining the connections to everyday occurrences. By using the moon observation project and hands on lessons involving labs and the SmartBoard, the students can really get involved at take part in active learning. The unit is designed in such a way that everything is connected and builds upon the information presented in the class before. Before each lesson there is a review of the previous class and the students must rely on each other during in class discussion to build upon and expand their knowledge. I also found it important to incorporate a NECAP review into my unit so the students have time to focus on those facts that are most important and that they will be tested on so there will be no surprises for them when they take the exam.
Grade Level: 8
Course: Earth Sciences
Unit Overview:
The purpose of this unit is to introduce the topic of Astronomy to 8th grade middle school students. Prior to the first lesson an in class ungraded assessment will be given to see what the students prior knowledge of the information is. Once I have that understanding I will start the unit with basic information on why the study of our universe is important, the components of our galaxy, earth sun moon relationships, and build all the way up to the idea of multiple galaxies being present and functioning within our universe. In order to make this unit and topic meaningful to the students I will explain how the rotation of the sun/moon/earth keeps our planet functioning properly and is important for sustaining life on earth. The unit is designed to start with the basics and daily build upon those basics until we reach the more involved topics. Before moving on from one main topic to the next there will be a quiz given to properly gauge the students’ understanding of the material before moving on to the next main idea. In order to facilitate learning the students will each have their own astronomy text and access to in class materials that further explain the material.
There will be a few activities that will aid in the students understanding of these topics. They will be required to do daily moon observations that will help them to understand moon phases that will be counted as a major assessment for the unit. The students will also complete an in class lab that explains seasons and the tilt/rotation of the earth in relation to the sun. Aside from the end of the unit exam, daily students will be required to keep observations, definitions, notes, graphs, drawings, and any explanation of what is done in class on this topic in a bound notebook that will be checked and graded daily.
Learning Performances and Standards
Concept Map of Unit
Lesson Sequence:
Lesson One: The Solar System
Lesson Two: How the Earth Moves
Lesson Three: The Seasons
Lesson Four: Gravity and Mass (Part 1)
Lesson Five: Phases of the Moon
Lesson Six: Tides
Lesson Seven: The Planets
Lesson Eight: NECAP Review
Lesson Nine: The Sun
Lesson Ten: Gravity and Mass (Part 2)
Assessment Plan
Rationale
In order to make this unit meaningful to the students I feel like it is important to connect them to the material by explaining the connections to everyday occurrences. By using the moon observation project and hands on lessons involving labs and the SmartBoard, the students can really get involved at take part in active learning. The unit is designed in such a way that everything is connected and builds upon the information presented in the class before. Before each lesson there is a review of the previous class and the students must rely on each other during in class discussion to build upon and expand their knowledge. I also found it important to incorporate a NECAP review into my unit so the students have time to focus on those facts that are most important and that they will be tested on so there will be no surprises for them when they take the exam.